Effect of changes in the Oregon Health Plan between 2002-2004 on adults with schizophrenia

This study examined whether changes to the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) that reduced access to mental health and addiction services affected acute care hospitalization among adults with schizophrenia. Using a retrospective cohort of 8,489 individuals enrolled in OHP Plus or OHP Standard from 2002–2004, hospitalization rates before and after policy changes were compared using negative binomial regression. Acute care hospitalizations decreased significantly for both groups following the policy shift, with a larger reduction among OHP Standard members. Other predictors included age, gender, substance use, enrollment period, and prior hospitalizations. While hospitalization rates declined overall, the specific impact of OHP policy changes remains uncertain.